Just prior to his statements, Kurdish officials publicly accused Turkey of indiscriminately dropping napalm shells in and around Afrin in an assault ironically titled “Operation Olive Branch.” Syrian-Kurdish politician Îlham Ehmed put out several tweets, claiming, among other things, that the Turkish army used “forbidden weapons” in Afrin against civilians. The Turkish military quickly denied the accusations.

Napalm—the “forbidden weapon” in question—is a highly flammable, jelly-like substance used in incendiary bombs. It is highly stable and can be stored for long periods of time without significant breakdown, making it a uniquely useful incendiary agent. It became a well-known weapon during the Vietnam War, when the infamous Napalm Girl image emerged.

There has been no verification of whether napalm was used. Still, the fierce battle wages on, with both Turkey and the Kurds claiming victory.